Jill Clayburgh was a remarkable talent—twice nominated for an Oscar—and she truly captured the spirit of the modern, newly liberated woman in the 1970s. Through powerful roles in films like An Unmarried Woman (1978), Starting Over (1979), and I’m Dancing As Fast as I Can (1982), Jill Clayburgh brought depth, vulnerability, and strength to characters navigating love, identity, and independence. Trained in theater, she had a natural command of both drama and comedy, effortlessly shifting from heartfelt intensity to sharp wit. You could see that range shine in movies such as Silver Streak (1976) and Semi-Tough (1977), where Jill Clayburgh proved she could hold her own alongside major stars with charm and precision.
While she stepped back from major film roles during the 1980s, Jill Clayburgh never disappeared from the spotlight. Instead, she reinvented herself, returning with renewed energy to stage and television in the following decades. One of her most memorable later roles came as the complex, emotionally guarded matriarch of the wealthy Darling family on ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money (2007–09), where Jill Clayburgh delivered a performance layered with nuance and quiet power. Her career spanned generations and mediums, always marked by authenticity and emotional honesty. When Jill Clayburgh passed away in 2010, the entertainment world lost one of its most adaptable and compelling actresses—a true artist who made every role feel deeply personal.
Well, when it comes to Jill Clayburgh’s career highlights, one film really stands out as her highest-rated performance—An Unmarried Woman from 1978. It’s often regarded as a defining moment in Jill Clayburgh’s filmography, showcasing her incredible range and emotional depth. Fans and critics alike have praised her role in that movie, making it a clear favorite among her body of work. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Gable and Lombard (1976) tends to be viewed as one of Jill Clayburgh’s least successful projects. While it had its moments, it didn’t quite resonate the same way with audiences or reviewers. So overall, Jill Clayburgh’s journey through cinema has had its peaks and valleys, but her talent always shines through, especially in standout performances like An Unmarried Woman.